It's the difference between clarifying, and over-simplifying. Clarification, with the confidence that people can understand the back and forth, lies behind passages like this, which characterized most of the speech.
I don't listen to much sports radio but I'm guessing that the people that do listen have a pretty commanding knowledge of sports. Otherwise, it would be a pretty boring thing to listen to. With politics, people feel compelled to listen, to care because they feel like their lives could be impacted by the outcome. This doesn't mean that they actually take the time to learn or study the issues though. Most politicians speak to lowest common denominators of their constituency. Clinton somehow manages to talk to us all. I loved watching him as much as hearing him. His use of hand gestures to stop applause or garner it was impressive. I wonder how Obama and Romney would score regarding "clarifying" or "over-simplifying"?
The article assumes knowledge of the other speaking style to highlight the differences in Clinton's. As someone who has not seen other speeches, from any side, this election season I am dying for a comparative breakdown. I'm fairly white-snow to this issue, maybe I shall write one myself.
Politics aside. It is true. Clinton doesn't talk down to his audience. He also isn't willing to get very cynical, which endears him to his audience. I don't really care to watch any of the conventions, but I always watch Clinton speak when I can. He is exceptionally good at it.
Yes, watching Clinton speak is like watching Michael Jordan play basketball. He was born to do this, and not many (if any) people have been much better. It's a great point that he doesn't talk down to his audience, you are right on the money. What this really affords is a conversation. Clinton is able to have a dialog, a back and forth, with his audience. Watch his speech again and notice how many times he asks a question and then answers it on behalf of his audience. It's genius. He also uses his hand gestures to control the enthusiasm of the audience like a maestro. P.S. G&N say hello.